Avery says Simmonds uttered homophobic slur at him

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - New York Rangers forward Sean Avery says Wayne Simmonds of Philadelphia uttered a homophobic slur at him on the ice.

Avery told ESPN.com that Simmonds made the remark during the first period of Philadelphia’s 5-3 preseason win over the Rangers on Monday night. ESPN.com reported that a video replay showed Simmonds issuing the epithet toward Avery near the Flyers bench

Last week, Simmonds _ who is black _ was involved in another controversy when someone threw a banana on the ice from the stands as he was taking a shootout attempt during a game in London, Ontario.

Simmonds, who says Avery sucker-punched him Monday, didn’t deny making the comment when speaking to reporters after the game.